It was -- unhappy holiday for retailers early numbers revealing sales slowed to a pace not seen since the start of the recession. For Smart shoppers that could -- cashing in on. ABC's Neal Karlinsky has the story. To this season -- -- unwanted gifts into free stuff you really want. Lot of returns that are I want return and then we have that and he's ever return -- turns into -- purchase I didn't have. The holidays may be over but retailers are clinging to hope that the shopping season still has a little more left to give. And they're renewing their biggest sales to tempt shoppers flush with returns in one hand and gift. Cards in the other hand -- money for Christmas sonong spending. The early numbers show that quality sales rose an underwhelming point 7% from last year the slowest growth since 2008. Forecasters though point out that this final week of December. Makes up for about 15%. Of the -- seals there's quite a bit of gift card redemptions as well as clearance sales. That could help lift sales -- power shopping mother and daughter duo donned running shoes to get the job done. -- -- up 400 dollar coat purchased a 148. Dollars. I'm I added. -- Jack Kent today Mimi and her shoes and pants this today the day for deals today today -- -- else. Everywhere 6781%. People. Many of the biggest deals are running until new years has retailers hope to salvage a tough year. And shoppers who still have cash left over treat themselves to a season -- seals -- Good Morning America and Neal Karlinsky ABC news Seattle.

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